Airfix F.M.A. 58A Pucara 1:72

Review by: Geoff Coughlin

Our thanks to Airfix for supplying our review sample. Get this impressive kit here.

Something to get you in the mood…

Background

I think that my first experience of seeing a Pucara in the flesh was on a visit many years ago to the Imperial War Museum, Duxford England, where I took a long look at a captured example acquired during the Falklands War in 1982.

And what a big aircraft it is, much bigger than I had imagined, but extremely nimble and agile as you’ll see from the video above.

The Airfix kit

This isn’t new by any means, but Airfix recently re-released this model and I have to admit to not really taking a proper look first time around.

However, I strongly recommend that you do, because this is a surprisingly nice model with a respectable level of detail (see below).

No less than 5 sprue trees are included and that’s not bad at all in terms of parts count for a twin-engined aircraft in the small 1:72 scale.

As I say, the panel line detail isn’t too heavy at all and is recessed. In fact I’d describe the panel line scale thickness/look as exceptional – probably the best I’ve ever seen on a 1:72 scale kit.

Cockpit

The cockpit has a pair of seats that look quite good, thinly and delicately moulded. The main instrument panels also have delicate dial detail moulded in that will look good when painted, weathered lightly with a wash and dry-brushed.

The canopy glazing is clear and blemish-free – another good feature. One slight disappointment is the fact that it’s not split already, to allow the possibility of displaying your model with the front and rear canopies open.

I guess you could carefully cut the canopy using a razor saw, but I doubt it’s worth it in this scale as you’d probably need to start adding additional detail too.

Undercarriage

This looks pretty accurate with wheel wells that are boxed in, moulded detail on the retraction legs and arms and the wheels themselves have neat hub detail that should all paint up well enough.

Other Observations

The prop blades are commendably thin and all the parts are cleanly moulded with no flash to speak of (the pictures above will illustrate what I mean).

Decals

Sadly these are of a time just prior to when Airfix moved to the new high quality decals from Cartograf, so you’ll need to make sure they are applied to a high gloss finish and then applying the varnish tone you want (e.g. satin, flat).

Looking at them, I’d suggest trimming the carrier film (that looks quite thick) away as close to the actual marking as possible to reduce the chance of a ‘silvering’ effect, where the carrier film shows through on your finished model (consult your Techniques Bank for advice on how to paint and decal your model).

Markings are included for an Argentinean or Uruguayan Pucara aircraft. I quite fancy the latter as it features in the video above and will make a nice change from perhaps the more common models you see at shows finished in Argentinean colours.

Instructions

These are classic Airfix, with the usual exploded stage-style diagrams. This is a basic kit ideal for any level of scale modeller and if you follow the instructions you can’t go too far wrong.

All I’d say is test fit some of the sub-assemblies, like the undercarriage and stores, because you may be able to add them right at the end once all the painting and weathering is complete; thereby avoiding the risk of damage.

What’s the verdict?

Well, I’ve got to say I’m impressed, seriously impressed by this kit.

It’s much higher quality than you’d usually expect to find on a model in this scale and of this vintage. Also, and no offence is meant to Airfix, but out of your top drawer – nice one!

Highly Recommended.

Geoff C.